The Royal Concubine (please read edited version)

Always Watching

In just a few days, my life has taken a drastic turn. Before, I experienced boredom, now I can't find a moment to myself. My mornings started with stomach measurements and a trip to the shrine. I was fed high in nutrients and protein foods. My mind was filled with best wishes and good lucks. It seemed everyone was happy for me... except me.

The Emperor has come to check on me once or twice, but not much has been spoken. His care was prominent, making sure I was fine and worry was seen in his eyes. He sent someone to constantly watch me and my maids paid close attention to me, upon his request. Right after he had pulled me put he had knawed me out, saying I still had a reason to live. The memory is a little blurry. Neverless he still seemed like I was amusing to him. I was unsure to his new behavior. I didn't know if I should find it endearing or unusual. But a cold aura still pollution the air around him, making me halt at his presence.

As I sat at my desk while a maid brushed through my long locks, I willed myself to remember the bathtub incident. Did I really attempt to drown myself? The thought made my hands grow numb. I relived the touch of the Emperor's warm embrace and truthful words. Was that his actual feelings or a lying façade?

"I hear there is a surprise waiting for you at the Throne Room." The maid behind me stood me up from the mirror.

"Is that so?" I question. Their idea of a surprise could be a chilling nightmare.

"Scribe Jung Hoseok will be here shortly to escort you there, " she said with a warm smile.

Her smile grew as a knock came from the door to my room, "Is lady Hye-Rin ready to leave?" I hear Hoseok announce.

My maid scurries over to the door to open it, "Indeed she is."

I suck in a breath before I make my way to the door. I could feel my heart beat quicken; uneasy.

Jung Hoseok bowed lightly at my presence, "Lady Hye-Rin."

Wanting to get this "surprise" over with, I tugged at Hoseok's sleeve, pulling him onward. He tripped a little at the sudden activity, making us both chuckle.

We stumbled our way to the house doors where we quickly slide on our outdoor shoes. The sun was hidden by large dark clouds, though the bright blue sky shown through here and there. Frogs crocked in the nearby lake, making a soft melody. The air smelled of wet dirt and grass, giving life to the chorus of nature.

"The surprise isn't ready yet," a familiar voice says in front of me.

I look up to see the face of the Emperor who was nervously glancing at Hoseok then to anywhere but me; for a reason I did not know. He was acting out of character the past few days, like he had emotions of his own. Logically, everyone has emotions, but some can hide them expertly. He was slacking.

"Apologies for coming early Emperor Min, I shall leave Lady Hye-Rin with you, your Majesty," Jung Hoseok bowed with a quirky grin and turned to leave.

I wanted to scream at him to wait here with me, but I stayed in my position. Akward. That's what I felt. Out of place. That's what I looked. Unnerving. That was the situation I was placed in.

"Your suprise we be ready shortly," Emperor Min stated, finally looking at me.

A normal response couldn't form in my head. I just nodded my head slowly. My face grew with heat, feeling embarrassed for not being able to formally thank the Emperor.

"I was told they hired you as the concubine so you can fill in for Queen Min at gatherings and such because you look just like her," He said matter of factly. Of couse, he seen me as the Queen too, not Mo Hye-Rin. I was just the step in, nothing mattered if I died, that's why I was put in this position as the concubine.

"But I don't find too many traces of similarity. You have a smaller face, a longer nose bridge, and rounder eyes. You have slightly lighter hair and your body frame is smaller, as your height is 5'4." He looked ahead of me, thinking of the details with importance.

My mouth gaped slightly. How had he seen so much when I do not notice a thing. It made me wonder how much effort he puts into being a Emperor. Behind it all, was he just trying to survive in this hell hole as much as me?

We both were brought out of our thoughts when the door behind Emperor Min opened, revealing a face unknown to me.

"Lady Mo Hye-Rin may anger at this time." His face was brimmed with ageing wrinkles and a tan complexion. His light brown eyes stayed on the powerful man before him. I tryed to peek over the older man's shoulder to see what was going on in there but there was no luck. The man turned to see my strained look and wore a clever smile, letting the door open to its full potential. I took steps towards the door as the Emperor waited me to join him. As I walked to stand beside him, eyes still on the inside of the room, he held out his arm for me, which I gradually took. I could help bit notice his muscles through his elegant royal garments.

I spotted two people kneeling on the ground, facing the Royal thrown. They both seemed to wear formal clothes, with the women wearing beautiful jewels laced within her dark brown hair. Her face was the first to turn to us as the guards announced our presence. I quickly noted her worn but excited face as she bowed until her head touched the floor. The man quickly followed, his unmistakable features were out of sight as his head lowered as well.

I placed a hand to my mouth, withholding the whimpers coming out of my lips. My eyes reddened with tears, tears that were tremendously happy.

"Please rise, Mo Hee-Joon, Mo Jang-Mi," Emperor Min said, simply smiling at my Uncle and Aunt.

It was very uncommon for a concubine to make any contact with they families after they left. What was Emperor Min doing to my heart? This was bitter sweet happiness.

AN- Hello my amazing readers! I missed you so much while I took a short break from the story. Lori and I started high school and we have soo much homework. We are both really sorry for the wait and hope to have brand you some enjoyment today/tonight for posting this chapter. I love you all!

- Paige